JACKSON, MI — Jackson Police detectives have concluded their investigation into Linda Chase and possible fraud she committed while keeping her friend's body nearly two years after he died.

The case went to the Jackson County Prosecutor's Office Tuesday morning, said Jackson Police Deputy Chief John Holda.

As of Tuesday afternoon, Prosecutor Hank Zavislak had not yet looked at the report, he said.

Jackson police found the body of Charles Zigler on July 6. He was wrapped in blankets and sitting in a chair inside his home on N. Cooper Street. Police and a medical examiner believe Zigler died around Christmas 2010.

Linda Chase, Zigler's roommate and friend, admitted to keeping his body after he died and cashing his benefit checks. The 72-year-old could potentially face fraud charges, said Jackson Police Lt. Elmer Hitt.

Hitt said the investigation determined Chase cashed about $28,000 in benefit checks. The police department suggested the prosecutor's office seek forgery and uttering and publishing charges, Hitt said. If sought and if convicted, Chase could face a maximum of 14 years in prison, according to state law.

Nothing in the investigation suggested Zigler's death was not natural. Hitt anticipated some sort of charges for not reporting his death or keeping the body but was not sure what those charges would be. Most felonies related to misuse of a dead body are punishable by up to 10 years in prison, according to state law.

Chase knew what she did sounded horrible but kept Zigler's body because she did not want to lose a dear friend. She expected to go to prison for what she did. When reached at her home last week, Chase declined to comment further on the case and said she had retained an attorney.

Members of Zigler's believe Chase had sinister and criminal motives for keeping his body. Andrew Dryer, Zigler's nephew, hopes there will be consequences for Chase. Dryer and other members of the family said they tried to contact Zigler during the last two years but Chase kept them away from him.

Chase said Zigler was not close with his family and their statements were lies.